The transition to electric mobility brings with it a change in habits that goes far beyond simply choosing the type of engine under the hood. For those who have spent years inserting bills into self-service machines or handing their card to the gas station attendant, encountering a charging station may raise some initial doubts: there aren’t universal self-service kiosks on every corner, and the displays aren’t always easy to spot.
The question naturally comes to mind as soon as you get into an electric car: How, exactly, do you pay for the energy? The reality of public charging has evolved rapidly, becoming much more accessible and integrated than you might think. Here’s a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the options available today.
Who's Really in Charge of Charging?
To understand how payments work, we first need to clarify who is behind the charging station. In the world of public charging, there are two distinct roles—which can sometimes overlap: the CPO (Charge Point Operator), which is the company that installs and physically owns the infrastructure, andthe eMSP (e-Mobility Service Provider), which provides the app or RFID card and handles billing.
This distinction is the real advantage of the electric vehicle ecosystem. Thanks to roaming agreements (much like those in the mobile phone industry), you’re not required to use the app of the brand whose logo is displayed on the charging station; instead, you can conveniently activate it using the app from your trusted provider.
Independent Facilities and Public Networks
The charging landscape is divided into two major ecosystems, and payment methods vary accordingly.
On the one hand, there are standalone stations—that is, charging points installed privately by hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, or businesses. In these cases, charging is often not part of the major national networks: it may be handled directly at the front desk, included in the hotel bill, or offered free of charge to customers. It’s always a good idea to ask the staff for more information.
On the other hand, there are public charging networks, which are the most common on city streets, at supermarkets, and on highways. Here, the charging stations are connected to central platforms and allow you to pay either as a one-time user or through a registered account. One aspect that should not be overlooked—especially on this network—is connector compatibility: checking this before starting the charging session prevents unnecessary delays.
Paying Without Registering: The Occasional Choice
There are times when plans change, or you just don't feel like downloading yet another app on your phone. That's why instant payment solutions—designed for customers on the go—are becoming more widespread.
It’s becoming increasingly common to find a physical POS terminal at fast and ultra-fast charging stations: simply hold your debit/credit card or smartphone (via Apple Pay or Google Wallet) up to the terminal, and after a quick bank pre-authorization, the charging begins. If, on the other hand, the charging station is older or doesn’t have a display (as is often the case with AC stations), there’s almost always a unique QR code on the housing. By scanning it with your smartphone’s camera, you’re redirected to a secure web page where you can enter your card details and pay “on the fly.”
Pay with a registered account: the option for daily drivers
For those who use an electric car on a daily basis, creating a profile on one or more platforms remains by far the most convenient and efficient option.
Dedicated apps serve as a true command center: once a payment method is saved, they let you start the session with a single tap, while keeping track of digital receipts (which are very useful for fleets or self-employed individuals, since it’s often possible to request an electronic invoice directly). Alternatively, many drivers prefer to keep an RFID device (card or key fob) in their wallet: it has the major advantage of working instantly, even in areas where the smartphone has no internet connection.
The ultimate goal of this technological evolution, however, is Plug & Charge. Where the vehicle, charging station, and contract allow it, all you need to do is plug in the cable: the infrastructure recognizes the car (thanks to a unique digital certificate stored in the vehicle), authorizes the charging session, and charges the cost to the user’s account completely automatically.
How is the cost calculated?
Understanding the pricing structure is essential to avoid surprises on your bill. The final price of a public charging session isn’t determined solelyby the energy actually delivered (the cost per kWh). This may be supplemented by a small fixed fee to start the session, a per-minute charge (on certain high-power networks), or an occupancy fee—that is, a penalty that applies if you leave your car plugged in after charging is complete, preventing others from using the station.
It’s important to remember that when you pay directly with a card, the system temporarily holds a precautionary amount (pre-authorization); at the end of your parking session, only the actual amount will be charged, and the difference will be released according to your bank’s processing times. Additionally, if you use an app while roaming on another operator’s charging station, rates may vary: it’s always a good idea to quickly check the app before starting the charging session.
Freedom of Movement: The Powy Approach
Public charging is evolving toward a model that is increasingly simple and straightforward, similar to traditional refueling. There are various payment methods available today, and it is important to understand how the existing infrastructure works.
In this context, Powy developed a network designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Located at strategic points, it provides quick and intuitive access to energy through the app Powy , you can locate stations—both company-owned and roaming—and manage the entire charging session in a simple and transparent way. The network is also designed to offer flexibility to occasional users, who can start charging via a QR code or use guest mode directly from the app.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Paying for Electric Vehicle Charging
If the charging station doesn't have a card reader, how can I pay for the charge?
Depending on the options offered by the station, you can choose between QR codes, charging apps, RFID cards, or, in some cases, even Plug & Charge.
How is a credit card pre-authorization handled?
A certain amount of money is temporarily held as a security deposit. Once the top-up is complete, only the actual amount is charged, while the remainder is released. The time it takes for the funds to be credited back depends on the bank.
Can I use my Italian carrier's app while abroad?
Yes, if it supports international roaming. Many carriers allow you to connect to foreign cell towers, but it's always a good idea to check coverage and rates before you leave.
Does the price vary between AC DC charging?
Yes. Direct current (DC) charging stations are generally more expensive because they offer higher power output. Payment methods can also vary: POS terminals are more common for DC, while apps, RFID, and QR codes are more common for AC urban) charging.
What happens to the payment if the top-up is interrupted due to a technical issue?
You are charged only for the electricity actually supplied up to the time of the interruption.
About Powy
Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.
Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.
Learn more: wpowy.energy